I 57 RIB House — Restaurant in Lake Township

I used to go to I-57 many years ago when my grandfather was still alive. Like, we'd go once or twice a week; every week. The food is a little fattening, but worth it because it's so friggin good.

Since I've been back in the US, I've had it twice for the first time in at least a decade and half, and although the building looks different, the food is still just as amazing as before!

But if you're considering going, yourself, here are a few notable aspects about this place you should know:

Pros: The portion sizes are huge and the flavor is excellent, regardless of what you order! Prices are a lot better than you'd expect. I wouldn't call it cheap, but considering the aforementioned portion sizes, you're getting a solid deal. Super friendly staff, especially the security guy (more on him later). The customers are all so polite and courteous to each other. Total strangers just chatting and laughing and respecting line order/position.

Cons: The parking lot is tiny. However, there isn't a lot of lollygagging and the lot is well managed, so there isn't much wait for a spot, and not much congestion. You can call your order ahead most days with the exception of super busy holidays (e.g. July 4th, Memorial Day, etc.). Those days you'll need to order in person. I'm guessing this is to prevent a crowd from building up in the waiting area while the cooks are busy making food for people that aren't even there yet. 3 . That's it! I can't think of another con. This place is great!

Now, on to that security guy: MAN, I love that guy's positive energy! I mentioned that the parking lot is well managed, well that's because of him. He does an incredible job of directing folks in and out of the lot, and helping us into and out of our parking spaces when the lot is full and a little tight.

He does all that while simultaneously managing the line inside the restaurant, as well. He keeps the line organized as new folks arrive. And he keeps track of food orders as they're finished, which is helpful in keeping you from having to wait too long, or if you didn't hear your order number called. It also helps with keeping the waiting area from getting too crowded due to folks waiting for food and folks waiting to order.

I also mentioned the positive attitude of the customers, but this is directly due to the security guy keeping everything so orderly. Between his crowd management and the swiftness of how the food is prepared, there are few reasons for customers to get grumpy while waiting (I'm sure those grumpy customers exist, though lol)

Finally, the customers: When you're in the waiting area, you get to people-watch a little, and you notice that we're all Black, but we all come from completely different walks of life. Yet the energy, brother/sisterhood, courtesy, and kinship stays present.

Ultimately, I love this place. Best bbq place on the Southside!...

Update of Last visit around June 1st 2020. Everything previously shared with you remains the same. On this visit, when I got home, again the Fries were old, there was such a SMALL amount of sauce on my Lunch Combo that it never even went through to the bottom of the container. Maybe the preparer eats their that way, and so prepared mine that way. One can remove sauce but can't add it if its not there, and this time my beverage was a beverage and NOT water. You should always check your order before you leave. In the past they have been very good at giving you dried stringy meat as well as chalky Leftover refrigerated and reheated fries; however the 3rd week of August I/we were there twice a d each time the fries were fresh (could be cooked as rib orders are being made). In addition I adjusts purchased extra sauces $0.75 but now they charge a ridiculous price of $1.75 for a 4-oz cup of bar-b-que sauce. You should also know that UNLIKE any other rib house, you must ASK for Cole slaw, Which until our 3rd week in August was the size of store samples; however, I will give them credit for ourboadt 2 purchases. They increased the Cole Slaw container size from 1/2 oz to a 2-oz cup but still don't fill it! Recently I was there two times in the same week in August for their Mini Tip Hot Link Special we could get in the past before 2 PM fir $6 (while I questioned the price change) is now $8.50. I had not expected the Free beverage that comes with my order to have never been refrigerated. After placing in my freezer and planning to have it with my dinner, I could not...it was also flat and had to be discarded. So, check your order - ,all if it before you leave as they Hate/Won't correct it which does not support your Loyalty with the same level as you've shown them (their preparation or lack of caused that) thus showing NO appreciation for your trust and loyal repeat business. When you place your Order your Receipt has your order # which they call out, but they need SPEAKERS because even normal hearing people don't always know what # they called (one outside of bldg as well, for patrons who sit in their cars as orders are processed) Other than that they do a wonderful job when they prepare Fresh portion sizes and sell from a position of Gratitude and Respect for all their dedicated and loyal customers.... (PROFESSIONALISM). DON'T...

Although, I was encouraged by a good friend to start back supporting this restaurant, I had stopped supporting this eatery over 20 years ago due to the same reasons that I am going to share today (quality of the food and lack of customer service skills).

We purchased a Combo, Sports bucket (rib tip/hot links), today. We asked for all meat to be cooked well-done. While, the hotlinks were almost overcooked, the rib tips, were under cooked. There was absolutely no evidence that any of the meat had seen the inside of a barbecue grill (taste). If I wanted barbecue via the oven, I could have easily cooked my own!

Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of speaking with a so-called Mgr. I believe his name was MJ, CJ, or TJ. Our order had been processed incorrectly bec the Mgr. advised that we ordered it wrong? Pardon the fact that we obviously did not understand the restaurant's menu/jargon and we received no direction from the staff as to how to order the items correctly. When called, the mgr., was rude, condescending, combative and very disrespectful. There was no apology for the incorrect order or inconvenience. We were advised that we had to drive all the way from Dupage County, back to 115th ST, with the order in tow and untouched, before any type of assistance could be rendered. When asked for the contact info for the owner, we were advised that this information could not be shared. The Mgr. verballed a smart comment and hung up mid-sentence.

For what it's worth, this sort of behavior/service makes it very challenging to support black owned businesses. Any service provided should always be comparable to other businesses that truly value their customer's business in...